The Khiljis
(Continued)
Alauddin also repelled the
Mongols successfully. His military success was because of the
creation of a large standing army directly recruited and paid by the
state. He revoked all grants made by previous sultans, introduced
price control covering almost the entire market and rationed the
grain.
In order to effectively subordinate nobles, he banned drinking of
intoxicants. The sultan's permission was necessary before marriage
could be arranged among the member of nobility, so that marriage alliances
of a political nature could be prevented. No further rebellion took place
during his life time, but in the long run his methods proved harmful to
the dynasty. As the old nobility was destroyed, the new nobility was
taught to accept any one who could ascend the throne of Delhi.
Kings followed in quick succession after his death, till in 1320, a
group of officers led by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq raised the banner of
revolt and put an end to the Khilji dynasty. |